An Air India Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI 171 en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at approximately 1:39 PM IST

The aircraft carried a total of 242 individuals on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. A distress (MAYDAY) call was made moments after takeoff, and no further communication was received. Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft descended near the Meghani Nagar area, just outside the airport perimeter, producing thick black smoke.

Emergency services, including seven fire engines, multiple ambulances, and three NDRF teams supported by additional personnel from Vadodara, were immediately dispatched to the crash site. The airport has been temporarily shut down as rescue and relief operations proceed.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel have assured full central support for the ongoing rescue and investigative efforts 

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India, now under Tata Group ownership, have initiated a formal investigation into the crash. Preliminary assessments suggest technical issues may have contributed, intensified by the aircraft being heavily fueled for its long‑haul journey 

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing and regulatory authorities are under renewed scrutiny as this marks the first incident involving the 787 fleet in India and adds to ongoing safety conversations around Boeing aircraft .

Air India Chair N. Chandrasekaran, and Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, have expressed their profound sorrow, extending condolences to the affected families while pledging full support for rescue efforts and transparent investigation outcomes .

At this stage, definitive casualty figures have not been confirmed. Initial reports indicate at least 50 fatalities, while several survivors remain injured.The rescue mission continues in collaboration with all relevant agencies.

About Flight AI 171:

Aircraft: Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (Tail No. VT‑ANB)

Departure: 1:39 PM IST from Runway 23, Ahmedabad

Passengers/Crew: 242 (230 passengers; 12 crew)

Destination: London Gatwick 

Incident site: Meghani Nagar, incident occurred within minutes of takeoff

Further actions: The DGCA and AAIB teams are examining flight data and cockpit voice recorders, assessing aircraft maintenance logs and fuel load. Findings will define future safety directives.